The Role of Resilience: Building a Stronger Runner Over Time Running is more than just physical—it’s a test of resilience. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that building strength isn’t about occasional big efforts but the consistent work we put in day after day. This truth carried me through one of my most unconventional challenges(for the 3rd time!): running 100 miles on a treadmill. The Power of Resilience When I signed up for the Dreadmill Endurance Challenge, I wasn’t in peak…
Hey there, my friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmastime with your friends and family. I sure did. I have a few too many calories to run off! As we welcome a new year, many of us set bold resolutions—whether it’s running an ultramarathon, building better habits, or tackling long-standing goals. The excitement is contagious, but the secret to success often lies not in sweeping changes, but in small, consistent steps. Episode 166 of the Run the Riot Podcast with Chris Lyle reinforces…
Hey there my friends, We all hit rough patches, don’t we? Those moments where we feel like we’ve lost our edge, that fire that used to drive us forward. Maybe you’re in one of those moments right now—or maybe you know someone who is. Either way, let me tell you something important: it’s not the end of your story. When the Fire Fades Think back to a time when you felt unstoppable. Maybe it was during a race, a project, or a time when everything seemed to click. You were at your best, pushing…
To those who know, no explanation is necessary… To those who do not know, no explanation will suffice. There’s something about an ultramarathon that defies description. If you’ve been there—if you’ve stared down the daunting miles, felt the aching fatigue, and pushed through to find your finish—you know. It’s not just about running; it’s about the transformation that happens along the way. To those who have experienced it: you understand the quiet pride that comes with tackling what others…
Strength Meets Endurance: Why Strength Training Can Elevate Your Running As runners, we often focus on miles, pace, and endurance. But what if the secret to lasting success isn’t just on the trails but in the gym? In this week’s episode of Run the Riot, ultrarunner and coach Ben Light shares why strength training is essential for runners of all distances. Ben Light Ben believes in the power of a well-rounded approach to running. By combining strength and endurance, he’s helped countless…
Hey Reader! I hope you’re doing well and soaking in the cooler weather! As we approach Thanksgiving, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on gratitude. I genuinely believe that running with a grateful heart transforms not just my mindset but also my performance. There’s something almost magical about it—it lifts my spirits, lightens my steps, and sometimes even makes me feel faster. I can’t fully explain it, but I’ve experienced it time and time again. Gratitude can truly change the way…
This is from a post on 11/15/2019 on Facebook. Shortly after my second-place finish at the Pumpkin Holler 100. I love revisiting old posts and letting my past self preach to my present self. 😉 “Until you can do what you want, do what you can. Always moving forward.” That has been my philosophy for as long as I can remember. When I had my second and third knee surgery from the “great trampoline mishap of 2015”, my running was sidelined….possibly done. (Side note: Trampolines are the devil!)…
Newsletter Hey there, my friends! A friend messaged me about a podcast episode I released back in January 2023. They said it hit them right where they needed it. I listened to it and basically preached to myself! I needed that reminder! It got me thinking: maybe you could use this reminder too. The episode is one of my favorites. In it, I wrestled with a powerful truth: Everybody dies, but not everybody truly lives. It’s easy to fall into the trap of going through the motions—day after day,…
Hey Reader! We all encounter setbacks and challenges, both in life and in our training. But we can find power in adversity! We can use it to fuel our big goals! Whether you’re running through a rough training period or dealing with life’s larger challenges, transforming hardship into motivation is a skill that every runner can develop. Why Adversity Can Be a Catalyst for Growth – Adversity might be the last thing you’d choose to face, but it often becomes a key driver in achieving things you…
Overcoming the Post-Race Blues: Life After the Finish Line Hey Reader, Crossing the finish line for your big goal race is an incredible achievement, but what happens after the race? Many ultrarunners, including our recent podcast guest Lucja Leonard, talk about the unexpected slump that can follow an intense race – often called the “post-race blues.” In our latest Run the Riot episode, Lucja dives into her personal experience with this common feeling after completing massive races like the…